Main Entry:

cite

Pronunciation:

\ˈsīt\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

cit·ed; cit·ing

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French citer to cite, summon, from Latin citare to put in motion, rouse, summon, from frequentative of ciēre to stir, move — more at -kinesis

Date:

15th century

1: to call upon officially or authoritatively to appear (as before a court)2: to quote by way of example, authority, or proof <cites several noteworthy authors>3 a: to refer to ; especially : to mention formally in commendation or praise b: to name in a citation4: to bring forward or call to another's attention especially as an example, proof, or precedent <cited the weather as a reason for canceling the picnic>

synonyms see summon

— cit·able \ˈsī-tə-bəl\ adjective